Byelaw 49 Open House Session

You may be aware of the new Thames byelaw on discharge of sewage into the Thames, which comes into force in January 2015 and that it could potentially affect your vessel (club).

The byelaw, No. 49 covers the discharge of sewage into the Thames and requires that vessels licensed under section 124 of the Port of London Act (freight carrying vessels) and houseboats must ensure that no sewage is discharged into the Thames.

To help houseboat owners prepare for the introduction of the byelaw we will be holding an ‘open-house’ drop in session in the Map Room onboard HQS Wellington on Wednesday, 2 April 2014. The session is open to all houseboat owners on the tidal Thames. There is an open invitation to come along, have a chat and find out more about the requirements and how to ensure that you are ready for their introduction.

The introduction of this byelaw, which comes into effect in January 2015, is consistent with the continuing improvement of the Thames’ marine environment and particularly Thames Water’s project to stop the discharge of untreated sewage into the river.

We are encouraging all those affected to take the time needed to make arrangements for disposal, or storage and disposal of ‘black water’ from their vessel. This session effectively gives people 12 months’ head start in making the necessary preparations.

These sessions are drop-in, so feel free to come when you like. It would though be helpful to get an indication of numbers likely to attend, so I should be most grateful if you are planning to come to Sam Broome know (sam.broome@pla.co.uk or 01474 562 364).